About us
At Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services™, we put our clients’ goals at the forefront, delivering an experience that’s like being a first-round draft pick—focused, tailored, and high-impact. Our mission? To craft creative, bespoke solutions that empower every client to reach their full potential. Whether you’re a brand on the rise or an artist breaking new ground, we’re here to guide you with legal expertise as unique as your vision.
Founded in 2014 as Kurtz Law Firm, we began our journey as a boutique firm dedicated to athletes, entrepreneurs, artists, creatives, and small businesses. Our passion for these industries led us to a natural evolution, and by 2017, we became known as THE Sneaker Law Firm—the go-to legal resource for innovators in the sneaker and fashion worlds. This shift inspired the creation of Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services™, or as many of our clients affectionately call us, “Sneaker Legal”. Today, we stand as industry leaders, pioneers in providing legal and business services that are tailor-made for sneaker culture and streetwear communities.
Our mission, over a decade in the making, is simple: We’re here to safeguard your creativity, ensuring that your ideas are protected while you focus on building something extraordinary. We provide more than just legal solutions; we provide peace of mind. By focusing on strategic brand protection, we help you stay ahead of the curve and in control of your future.
We know the traditional legal model—many of us came from that world. While it works for some, we found that it stifled creativity and individuality. That’s why Sneaker Legal is different. We’ve created a place where clients and lawyers alike can show up as their most authentic selves, where cultural authenticity isn’t just encouraged, it’s celebrated. We’re not just here to represent you—we’re here to understand you.
At Sneaker Legal, we believe that the greatest brands are built when people embrace who they are. By merging creative instincts with sharp legal strategies, we create a space where innovators thrive. Our human-centered approach means we go beyond the surface to deeply understand your goals and help you achieve greatness—because we’ve been there, and we get it.
Our firm is built for originality. We’re your champions, supporting the creative thinkers and groundbreakers who drive industries forward. We don’t just protect brands; we nurture them. We bring together like-minded people and businesses, helping them navigate emerging technologies, and unlock value others might overlook.
When you work with us, you’re partnering with a team that truly values creativity. We don’t just see your work as a business transaction—it’s art. It’s culture. It’s the spark that marks history and shifts paradigms. We’re here to help you make that mark and keep moving forward, one innovative step at a time.
Meet the Team
Zakari Kurtz
Zakari “Zak” Kurtz is the founder of Sneaker Law Firm PLLC, and is licensed to practice on the state and federal level. He handles complex business and legal transactions and works on all aspects of trademark and brand protection in the United States and abroad. He has a diverse background having represented artists, athletes, agents, musicians, influencers, the federal and state government, small business and large corporations. From general legal matters to counseling and securing trademarks protection for domestic and international companies; Zakari specializes is contractual and business law, and is known for finding creative solutions to satisfy clients needs.
Zakari helps clients in the sneaker, fashion, sports, entertainment, food and technology sectors recognize, protect, and utilize their valuable intellectual property. He prosecutes trademarks and responds to office actions before the US Patent and Trademark Office, and develops strategies to ensure the strength and longevity of client’s brands and incorporate understanding and compliance with legal obligations. Clients praise Zakari for the thoughtful and thorough approach he takes when helping them strategize or problem solve.
In 2007 Zakari earned his Bachelor of Arts from Roanoke College, where he played varsity soccer for four years and was a Co-Captain his Senior season. During his soccer career Kurtz played in the NCAA tournament and overseas in Brazil, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Israel and Germany. Prior to law school, he earned his paralegal certificate from Boston University and attended sports business management classes at Columbia University in New York. In 2012 he graduated with honors from Michigan State University College of Law with his Juris Doctorate.
James Platt
Transitioning from Wall Street, Silicon Valley and East Oakland, James, aka ‘JT,’ aka ‘The Sneaker Savant,’ seamlessly blends his business and technology background with a passion for sneaker collecting.
With over 20 years in Business and Technology, James has been at the forefront of innovation, starting from Financial Analysis to Software Engineering and Education. His journey into sneaker collecting began in 1997 with the Playoff Jordan XII’s.
‘The Sneaker Savant’ has spent recent years designing and patenting technologies for sneaker authenticity and education. His goal is to legitimize the collectible sneaker space through innovation and expertise.
STEPHON A. BURTON
Stephon is an associate attorney at Sneaker and Streetwear Legal Services, where he combines business insight with legal expertise to support clients in sports, entertainment, and fashion. A graduate of the Kline School of Law at Duquesne University, he specializes in business law, corporate transactions, and immigration matters.
With a background in healthcare and corporate law, Stephon has broadened his practice to advising entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and businesses on legal strategy and compliance. His experience in real estate, immigration, and intellectual property enables him to provide tailored, comprehensive counsel. He is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.
Committed to community service, Stephon actively volunteers with the DC Bar’s Nonprofit and Small Business Legal Advice Clinic.
Outside of his legal work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring trends in sports, entertainment, and fashion law, and reading.
TARA RICHOLSON
Tara brings over a decade of expertise in patents and trademarks to her role at Sneaker Legal. She has a comprehensive understanding of the Intellectual Property (IP) lifecycle, including patent prosecution, trademark clearance, registration, and maintenance, both domestically and internationally.
With a background in customer service and a knack for problem-solving, Tara found her passion in the world of IP, where her keen attention to detail, investigative mindset, and creativity play a vital role in branding protection. She is dedicated to helping clients safeguard their ideas and innovations.
Beyond her work at Sneaker Legal, Tara enjoys skateboarding with her family and serves as President of the Sauk Prairie Eagle Skatepark at Culver Community Park. She is actively fundraising and developing the park’s second phase to promote sports and recreation in the community. A devoted sneaker collector, Tara shared her enthusiasm for creativity and design in a PBS Wisconsin interview, showcasing her passion for sneaker culture.
Get Started With a Free Consultation
Ready to take the next step? Book an appointment with us today and let our expert team guide you through the process with care and professionalism. Your peace of mind is just a click away.